Childcare Financial Assistance
Discover financial assistance programs to make quality childcare affordable for your family
Child care in Ontario can be expensive, but there are programs that can lower your costs significantly – from the new $10/day child care initiative to income-based subsidies and family benefits.
$10/day
CWELCC Program Target by 2025
75%
Average Fee Reduction by 2024
8+
Available Programs
Major Financial Support Programs
CWELCC ($10/day Childcare)
The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program reduces childcare fees to an average of $10 per day by 2025. Available to all families using licensed childcare at participating centers – no income test required.
typical monthly savings
Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy
Income-tested subsidy using a sliding scale with no hard income cutoff. Additional support beyond CWELCC for low and moderate-income families. Families with very low income may pay nothing.
estimated monthly subsidy
Municipal Fee Subsidy (Local Programs)
In Ontario, municipalities administer the provincial fee subsidy program locally. Each region may have different waitlists, priority rules, or supplemental supports. Contact your local service manager for details.
by region and need
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
Dedicated funding for Indigenous communities to provide culturally appropriate early learning and child care. Available to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families through community programs.
-based programs
Special Needs Child Care Support
Enhanced support for children with special needs in licensed care. Includes Special Needs Resourcing (SNR) funding for extra staff and resources at no cost to parents. Subsidy available up to age 18.
additional monthly support
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) & Ontario Child Benefit
Tax-free monthly payments to help with the cost of raising children. Not specifically for childcare, but many families use this money to help pay for daycare. Automatic if you file taxes.
per month per child
💡 Important Notes:
- • Programs can stack: You can benefit from CWELCC + provincial subsidy + CCB simultaneously
- • Net vs Gross Income: Subsidies are calculated on net income from your tax return, not gross income
- • Employment Required: Most subsidies require parents to be working, in training, or job searching
- • Special Cases: Families on Ontario Works or ODSP may have different rules - ask your caseworker
Eligibility Calculator
Answer a few questions to discover which childcare subsidies you may qualify for and estimate your potential savings
Important Disclaimer
This Child Care Financial Assistance Eligibility Calculator is provided for general illustrative and informational purposes only.
This tool is only able to provide an estimate of potential eligibility and savings for various child care financial assistance programs. Every family's situation is different and only the relevant government authorities can determine actual eligibility and funding amounts.
This tool is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations in any circumstances. It may not cover all aspects of your particular situation and an official assessment by government programs could produce results that differ significantly from the estimates provided by this tool.
For official eligibility determination, you must contact the relevant authorities:
- Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSM) or District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSAB) for provincial financial assistance
- Licensed child care providers for CWELCC program availability
- Indigenous Services Canada for Indigenous-specific programs
This tool does not generate actual applications nor does it guarantee program eligibility or space availability. Waitlists, funding limitations, and program changes may affect actual outcomes.
Data Privacy Notice:
We do not store any personal information you enter into this calculator. All data is processed locally in your browser and calculations are performed in real-time. However, please be aware that some data may remain in your browser's memory.
Limitation of Liability:
We assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this tool and make no representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever. Under no circumstances shall we be held liable for any loss or damage which may be attributable to reliance on and use of this tool.
By using this calculator, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree to use the tool for informational purposes only.
How Financial Assistance Works
Check Eligibility
Use our calculator to see which programs you qualify for based on your income, family size, and location.
Apply Online
Submit applications directly through government websites or with the help of your chosen childcare provider.
Start Saving
Once approved, your childcare fees are automatically reduced. Most families save hundreds of dollars per month.
Need More Help?
Application Assistance
Get help completing your subsidy applications and gathering required documents.
Find Participating Daycares
Browse daycares that accept subsidies and have availability in your area.
Find DaycaresFor Specific Groups
- Single Parents: All programs apply equally - only your income counts for eligibility
- Newcomers: You can access these subsidies immediately. File taxes to receive Canada Child Benefit
- Indigenous Families: Contact your Band Office or Indigenous service provider for additional culturally-specific programs
- Parents of Children with Special Needs: Extra support available up to age 18 with professional assessment
- Students: Check with your school for campus childcare and OSAP grants
Additional Financial Support
- Ontario CARE Tax Credit: Get up to 75% of childcare expenses back at tax time
- Ontario Works/ODSP: If you're on assistance, ask your caseworker about childcare support
- Employer Benefits: Check if your workplace offers childcare benefits or flexible spending accounts
- Free Language Classes: Newcomers can often access free childcare during LINC classes
📞 Important Contacts
211 Ontario: Dial 211 or visit 211ontario.ca
Free service to find local childcare subsidies and support
Indigenous Services Canada: 1-800-567-9604
For Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care programs
Direct Application Links
Learn about the $10/day childcare program and find participating centers
Apply for income-based childcare subsidies through your local CMSM
Resources and funding for children with disabilities
Apply for monthly tax-free payments to help with child costs
Regional Service System Managers
Contact your local CMSM or DSSAB to apply for childcare subsidies and get personalized support
Find Your Local Service System Manager📋 Application Resources & Tools
Everything you need to apply for childcare subsidies successfully
Required Documents
- Most recent Notice of Assessment from CRA
- Employment letter or proof of enrollment in education/training
- Childcare receipts showing current fees and attendance
- Birth certificates for all children requiring care
- Recent utility bill or lease agreement
- Medical documentation (if applying for special needs support)
Application Tips
Timing Matters
- • Apply as soon as possible - processing takes 4-8 weeks
- • Report income or family changes within 30 days
- • Mark renewal dates on your calendar
Accuracy is Key
- • Complete all sections - incomplete applications cause delays
- • Provide accurate information to avoid reassessment
- • Keep copies of all submitted documents
YMCA Childcare Financial Assistance
Discover YMCA-specific financial assistance programs including sliding scale fees, membership discounts, and scholarship opportunities.
YMCA Childcare Financial Assistance Calculator
This YMCA Childcare Financial Assistance Calculator is provided for general illustrative and informational purposes only.
This tool provides estimates for YMCA-specific financial assistance programs including sliding scale fees, membership discounts, and scholarship opportunities. Every family's situation is different and only YMCA can determine actual eligibility and funding amounts.
YMCA-Specific Programs Include:
- YMCA Sliding Scale Childcare: Income-based fee reduction programs available at many YMCA locations
- YMCA Membership Discounts: Members typically receive 10-15% discount on childcare fees
- YMCA Childcare Scholarships: Need-based financial assistance for qualifying families
- YMCA Employee Benefits: Special rates for YMCA staff and their families
- Government Programs: CWELCC ($10/day) and provincial subsidies available at YMCA centers
Important Notes:
- Program availability varies by YMCA location
- Income thresholds and discount amounts may differ between centers
- YMCA membership requirements and benefits vary by location
- Contact your local YMCA for specific program details and availability
For official eligibility determination, you must contact your local YMCA directly.
YMCA Childcare Programs
Discover YMCA's unique approach to early childhood education through our proprietary Playing to Learn™ and A Place to Connect™ curricula
YMCA's Unique Curriculum Approach
Playing to Learn™
YMCA's proprietary curriculum for children 0-6 years, focusing on learning through play, exploration, and discovery.
Key Principles:
- Child-led learning experiences
- Play-based skill development
- Individualized learning paths
- Holistic development approach
- Family partnership model
Benefits:
- Builds strong foundation for lifelong learning
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Fosters creativity and imagination
- Supports social-emotional development
- Prepares children for school success
A Place to Connect™
YMCA's school-age curriculum emphasizing character development, leadership skills, and community connections.
Key Principles:
- Character development and values
- Leadership and responsibility
- Community service and citizenship
- Academic support and enrichment
- Healthy living and wellness
Benefits:
- Develops leadership and communication skills
- Builds character and moral values
- Fosters community engagement
- Provides academic support
- Promotes healthy lifestyle choices
Choose Your Child's Age Group
Infant Care (0-18 months)
Program Description
Nurturing care for our youngest learners with a focus on secure attachments, sensory exploration, and developmental milestones.
Core Values:
Program Features
- 1:3 staff-to-child ratio
- Individualized care plans
- Sensory play activities
- Music and movement
- Outdoor exploration (weather permitting)
- Regular developmental assessments
YMCA Values in Action
Caring
Nurturing environment that supports each child's unique needs
Honesty
Open communication and transparency with families
Respect
Valuing diversity and treating everyone with dignity
Responsibility
Teaching children to be accountable for their actions
Ready to Experience YMCA Childcare?
Join thousands of families who trust YMCA for quality childcare and early education